Emerald | Qualitative Research Journal | Table of Contents

Editorial QRJ 13.2

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Mark Vicars) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

The good, the bad and the ugly: Searching for critical research in psychology

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - To answer the question what is good research from the perspective of critical researchers working in the discipline of psychology, we first look at what it means to be ‘good’, and then what it means to be critical. We then interlink these two as a means of providing some context to understand why there appears to us to be so little critical research around.Design/methodology/approach - This is a viewpoint paper not an empirical paperFindings - This is a viewpoint paper, not an empirical paperResearch limitations/implications - This is a viewpoint paper, not an empirical paperPractical implications - This paper suggests key questions to raise in relation to the scarcity of critical research in the discipline of psychology.Originality/value - Looking at critical research from new perspectives.

The power of one: an autoethnographic journey of a rugby union referee

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Christopher Francis Baldwin) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this research was to examine the experiences I encountered during one of my rugby union refereeing seasons. The aims and objectives of the study were to identify the challenges of maintaining a viable and competitive local rugby union competition free from violence amidst a growing trend in declining player numbers and skill levels at the local community rugby union level.Design/methodology/approach - My lived experiences, as recorded in my daily diary were the sole source of data for this inquiry. This research provides a descriptive analysis of my match experiences, meeting encounters with competition executives and other referees over the course of a 12 month period (2010).Findings - The research has provided insights regarding what we know about sports administration at a local sporting community level. The resistance that occurred in implementing a ‘mercy rule’ to combat the one-sided matches and curb the violence that was presenting itself in the rugby union matches being played was surprising. An ageing and depleting competition saw the need for change to occur within the competition rules, change that was originally met with great apprehension and fear. Originality/value - It was envisaged that findings may benefit competition administrators in designing and facilitating better ways to cater for the diverse playing abilities of local rugby union players in an increasingly competitive sport market who are looking for ways to participate in team based sports.

Critical Theory for Women Empowerment through ICT studies

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Meera K Joseph) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the study is to critique marginalized south Indian coastal women’s world in the light of potential of ICTs to empower through the use of Critical Theory.Design/methodology/approach - Qualitative research startegy was used. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by the researcher with the coastal organizational staff. Surveys were administered with the coastal women with the help of local community leader. Visual methodology enhanced the study.Findings - ICTs have the potential to educate and empower marginalised fisher women from Kerala, India. ICT was the tool used to enhance teaching coastal people and for other educational activities. Many coastal women have not used ICTs such as Internet and email. The ICTs could have been used by local organization for women's developmental activities and by the women in more appropriate ways eg: to market fish etc. Women using the local centre had the priveledge to use certain ICTs.Research limitations/implications - The survey was limited to one coastal region in India only due to unavailability of funds. It could have been administered in more regions for further research.Practical implications - This research created some ICT awareness amongnst coastal women while administering the survey in India. ICTs such as computer, email and Internet should be used as a more productive tool in income generation activities by the marginalized coastal women of India.Originality/value - The paper provides meaningful discussion on the use of Critical Theory as desirable to study ICT for Indian coastal women’s development.

Exploring the situational complexities associated practice change in healthcare

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - To critical examine multidisciplinary, group clinical supervision sessions. To extend current understandings of the barriers / enablers to the implementation of an innovative psychosocial intervention for distressed adults with cancer. Design/methodology/approach - Discourse analysis was used to analyse audio recordings from clinical supervision sessions delivered as part of a psychosocial intervention within the context of a Randomized Control Trial (RCT). Findings - Examination of subject positions, representation and tensions reveals that Health Professionals can resists the pressures of systemic barriers to provide much needed psychosocial support for distressed adults with cancer. Critical examination of multidisciplinary clinical supervision sessions describes how Health Professionals are able to construct new meanings and repositions themselves as being able to provide supportive care within the context of their everyday practices. Research limitations/implications - This paper reports only a small part of a larger analysis that aims to explore how discourse maps the current state of psychosocial care for adults with cancer illustrates the fragility and potential for change in this area. Originality/value - Extension on the previous literature is seen within the data through the presence of positive resistance against systemic barriers. Previous exploration of clinical supervision has not collected data generated within the sessions. It is also novel in the use of discourse analysis being used in association with a RCT to understand the situational complexities associated with bringing about practice change.

Discourses of delusion in demanding times: a critical analysis of the career education and guidance policy guidelines for New Zealand secondary schools

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Barrie A Irving) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how critical discourse analysis can help to uncover the dominant discursive formations that underlie the career education and guidance policy guidelines in New Zealand. My discussion illustrates how these have been used by the state in an attempt to normalise ideological standpoints, shape ‘common-sense’ thinking, construct the subjectivities of career advisers/teachers, and delimit the scope of practice. Design/methodology/approach - Critical discourse analysis was employed as this approach helps to uncover the hidden meanings, political imperatives and uneven workings of power/dominance and oppression that are employed in/through textual representations. Findings - Neoliberal discourse is infused throughout the policy guidelines for career education and guidance in New Zealand, and demands that career advisers/teachers should produce entrepreneurial and self-responsibilised global economic subjects.Research limitations/implications - Although this paper is situated within a New Zealand context, given the creeping influence of neoliberalism in many English-speaking states, the issues identified have international relevance in relation to the kind of citizen career education and guidance is expected to produce. Originality/value - Much of the literature within the career arena adopts an uncritical, and apolitical, stance with the truth-claims made by neoliberal states tending to be positioned as authoritative and inviolable. Drawing from critical theory, this paper contributes a social justice perspective that looks beneath the surface of the seemingly benign and well-intentioned discourses that permeate the policy guidelines for career education and guidance in New Zealand.

Chiasmatic interpretative communities: An innovative methodology

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Ruth Billany) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Qualitative social research strives to deepen our understanding of aspects of everyday human life and the narrative metaphor of people living storied lives is re-created in the focus group method. This paper proposes an innovative methodology for social research, that is, chiasmatic interpretative communities (CIC). Design/methodology/approach - The importance of evidence-based research to inform future social policy and practice depends on trustworthy information and the chosen research design or methodology must fit the purpose. The strengths and limitations of the focus group method are critically evaluated. Potential issues of accuracy during analysis are resolved by informing the interpretation of the discourse with experts from the community.Findings - Chiasmatic interpretative communities offer a re-imagined synthesis of a repeated focus group approach with community experts as interpreters. Research limitations/implications - This blurs two methodological boundaries to enhance academic rigor. They are, the temporal blurring of linear sequential phases in research design (data collection and then data analysis) and the spatial blurring of power relations within the researcher:participant dyad.Practical implications - This transformative methodology is described from a pragmatist standpoint within an evaluative framework.Originality/value - A final section discusses the foresight of CIC and describes the bricolage of this critical qualitative research methodology.

'New basics' and Literacies: Deepening reflexivity in qualitative research

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Wendy Marie Cumming-Potvin) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - With particular reference to insider/outsider qualitative research, this paper presents new understandings about the concepts of literacy and reflexivity, which go against the grain of technical approaches currently privileged under neo-liberal education systemsDesign/methodology/approach - The paper draws on theoretical considerations and empirical data from a qualitative study in literacy education to examine the concept of researcher reflexivity. With multiple methods such as focus groups, on-line discussions, shared literacy experiences, and researcher’s reflections, the qualitative approach was appropriate to unveil thick descriptions of phenomena.Findings - Information from the literature, theoretical framework and transcript analysis is synthesized to present an innovative way of approaching reflexivity in qualitative research to acknowledge: theory, power, discomfort; and personal, historical, political and sociocultural influences. Research limitations/implications - Given the small number of participants involved in the case study, results are not representative of the general population.Practical implications - Deepening researchers’ approaches to reflexivity can lead to cross-disciplinary collaboration in professional fields such as teaching, engineering and nursing. Originality/value - An innovative approach to reflexivity, particularly after the completion of a study, can rupture the comfortableness of qualitative researchers’ reflexive processes. A rigorous concept of reflexivity can be useful to scaffold pre-service teachers during professional internships in schools.